New York Governor Kathy Hochul Removed From NYPD Officer's Memorial Service

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NY Governor Kathy Hochul was not welcome to Jonathan Diller's wake this Friday. The suspect, Guy Rivera, 34, allegedly shot Diller in the stomach as the officer was trying to get Rivera to exit the vehicle. Rivera had 21 prior arrests before the incident.

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul attended the wake of slain NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller on Friday, March 31, 2024, at the Massapequa Funeral Home in Long Island, N.Y. The governor's visit, however, was cut short after approximately 10 minutes, as she was reportedly asked to leave by a mourner then removed by NYPD.

Officer Diller, a 31-year-old father of a 1-year-old boy, was fatally shot on March 27, 2024, during a traffic stop in Queens. The suspect, Guy Rivera, 34, allegedly shot Diller in the stomach as the officer was trying to get Rivera to exit the vehicle. Rivera had 21 prior arrests before the incident.

The governor's office stated that Hochul had a cordial conversation with Officer Diller's family inside the funeral home. However, as she was moved from the service, a man in a black suit was seen pointing a finger at the governor while appearing to speak with her aggressively.

The incident happened amid sharp criticism over the state's failed bail reform law. Hochul has been under fire for her handling of the issue, with some critics arguing that the law has led to an increase in violent crime.

In response to the incident, a spokesperson for the governor's office said, "Governor Hochul attended the wake today to mourn the loss of Officer Diller, offer her condolences, and hear from his family and loved ones who are dealing with unimaginable grief."
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The governor's brief visit to the memorial service has sparked controversy, with some questioning her motives for attending and others criticizing the way she was treated by the mourner. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and elected officials in New York, as well as the broader debate over criminal justice reform.